By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a strong warning against the practice of parking heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed roads, describing it as a major threat to Nigeria’s critical infrastructure.
Speaking during an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project in Rivers State on Saturday, March 21, the Minister expressed concern after observing fuel tankers obstructing a completed road.
“Yesterday I was passing through this road, the entire road we have completed was totally blocked—not by moving vehicles but fuel tankers parked on the road,” Umahi said.
He stressed that no road project anywhere in the world is designed to prolonged static loads from heavy vehicles, warning that such actions significantly reduce the lifespan of roads and could lead to premature deterioration.
The Minister highlighted the scale of investment in the project, noting that the total cost exceeds ₦230 billion, with ₦156 billion allocated for phase one and ₦83 billion for phase two. He emphasized the need to safeguard such investments.
“Is that what we should fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed?” he asked.
Despite the concerns, Umahi commended the contractor, RCC, for the quality and pace of work, and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring continuity of funding after support from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ended in August 2025.
“We are not owing RCC on this project… it is a highly skilled and technical project, and I’m very happy with the quality of work,” he said.
Umahi described the Aleto Bridge as a landmark project featuring modern concrete pavement technology, solar-powered lighting, and enhanced structural reinforcements.
He noted that the redesign from asphalt to concrete was directed by the President to improve durability.
In a move to boost human capital development, the Minister announced plans to involve young Nigerian engineers in the project under a mentorship initiative spearheaded by President Tinubu.
“They are our future leaders, and this is a technical project to behold,” he said.
Providing an update, Umahi disclosed that one carriageway is expected to be completed before May 25, 2026, while the first phase is slated for completion by August 2026. The second phase, including multiple flyovers and bridges, is expected within the year.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting public assets.
“Let us protect our own. The Minister cannot be everywhere. The road is being done perfectly, but we all have a duty to protect it.”
